NJ Dog Bite Law

South Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer

Strict Liability Dog Bite Law

Call me, Joseph Monaco, at 609-277-3166

N.J.S.A.. 4:19-16 states:

The owner of any dog which shall bite a person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, shall be liable for such damages as may be suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of such dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness. For the purpose of this section, a person is lawfully upon the private property of such owner when he is on the property in the performance of any duty imposed upon him by the laws of this state or the laws or postal regulations of the United States, or when he is on such property upon the invitation, express or implied, of the owner thereof.

This New Jersey statute is considered a strict liability law that favors victims of dog bites. To bring a dog bite claim in New Jersey, I, as your South Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer, will not have to prove that the dog owner was negligent in handling or caring for the dog or that the dog had previously bitten someone to show that the dog had a predisposition for attacks. If you or a family member are bitten by a dog, New Jersey law favors you.

One of the most important issues in a dog bit claim is whether the dog owner has insurance to fairly compensate the victim. Fortunately, most homeowner’s policies cover dog bite claims. However, this insurance coverage is not mandatory like auto insurance, and some policies have exclusions for dog bite claims. They may not be covered at all or not covered for certain breeds of dogs such as Pit Bulls or Rottweilers. Another common dilemma I encounter in representing my clients is when the dog owner is a renter. Most renters do not have renter’s insurance which would cover the claim just like traditional homeowner’s insurance. Without renter’s insurance, I work to to determine whether these is another type of insurance policy which will cover the claim such as a landlord’s general liability policy.

If you or a loved one are viciously bitten by a dog, you should immediately call 911 for the Police, Animal Control and an ambulance. It is important that the proper authorities investigate the case. This is particularly true to try and determine whether the dog has all of its shots including not being rabid. Animal Control will also try to determine whether the dog should be euthanized so someone else is not bitten. A factor in this decision is whether the dog had previously bitten others.

Joseph Monaco

Second Generation Trial Lawyer

Call 609-277-3166 to hire me, Joseph Monaco, as your South Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer. If you put your trust in me, I will work relentlessly as a Second Generation Trial Lawyer to make sure you do not come to regret your decision to hire me. I strive to uphold my family’s long tradition of fighting for injury victims.